20/21 Weeks

As of today I am 21 w 1 day.
I'll start with last week's OB visit.  Although it was an uneventful appointment. I'm up a total of 9 pounds.  Seems like I put on a bunch of weight in a week or so and have leveled off for now.  Everything else was good and normal.  Baby's heart rate was good. And he's been extra wiggly lately.  And he had dropped down lower in my pelvis. My belly has gotten way bigger too. Not hiding anything now. Back to the OB after 5 weeks, since we will be in Germany at 24 weeks.
Today, I went to the specialist for an ultrasound.  Baby is doing well.  Measuring a little ahead still, at 11 inches and 1 pound. (Interestingly I checked back to see how big Alex was around this time and at 22 weeks she was 11.25 inches and 1.1 pounds). The tech was able to get most of the measurements they needed except for some heart measurements because baby rolled to the side and was casting a shadow.  Though the doctor said everything else looked normal and they were not concerned but will check his heart again at the next ultrasound.  The tech was able to finally confirm that we are having a boy. Since little guy has been shy up until now.  And he did change positions, he's now head down and low.  He did have his feet and hands covering his face.
And on the note of my placenta position.  It is still extremely close to the cervix. I was having a contraction while they were trying to measure my cervix and had to estimate the distance but the placenta is about half a centimeter away from the cervix.  So still not great. Doctor anticipates that it will move out of the way but I will need it checked again at my next monthly appointment.
Everything else is going well.  Having Braxton hicks contractions daily, usually at night.  No one is concerned about them yet especially since they checked and I'm not currently at risk for preterm labor. Baby being down lower does mean that with some movements I have to pee right away.  Had the same issue with Alex but at least I'm not working as much and don't have that feeling while ine middle of cutting hair.
We are going one trip to Germany in a week and half and will be there for a couple of weeks.  We are excited to have a family adventure before little guy arrives. And Alex will get to see and play with her first friends, Max. Who moved back to Germany last year.
Updates in a month after I have my next appointments and we are back from our trip.

16/17 Weeks

Tomorrow I will be 17 weeks. Last week I had my rgukar check up at the OB's office.  Nothing new to report from there. Heard little guy's heart beat and had to get some blood work done. Apparently I was suppose to do it after my 12 weeks appointment but the doctor forgot to mention that she sent over the orders.  But anyway 6 vials of blood later and everything seems fine. Thyroid is a tiny bit off again but it's similar to the situation I had with Alex.  Off but not enough to require medication. 

Today, I had my ultrasound appointment at the high risk specialist.  Baby was wiggly today but still managed to stay curled up. Making it little difficult at first  to get all the measurements they needed.  He finally uncurled enough to get almost everything, except for verifying that he's boy.  He was too shy. So maybe next time. Baby is actually measuring a week ahead.  Approximately 7.7 inches and 7 oz. Baby is doing great according to doctor and the ultrasound tech. 

One issue did come up.  The placenta has attached very low and  dry close to the cervix.  The doctor was optimistic that as the uterus stretches and grows that it will move and up out of the way.  However, if it does not then I will need c section.  But for now nothing to be concerned with. Just something they will continue to monitor. 

I feel like this might explain why baby seems to have to been hanging out up higher than Alex did and maybe why I haven't notice as much movement.  Alex was always so low and I was constantly being hit in the bladder by her. 

I've finally gained a few pounds, which I think isn't too bad for being almost half way. The nausea I had been having has moatly gone away. Although there seeem to be quite a few more foods that makes me nauseous then with Alex. And I haven't been as tired lately.  Making it through most days without naps. I seem to have picked up some allergies though and that hasn't been great. Headaches are still happening through.  I have been craving chips and salsa and coffee.  I feel like some days I can't make it though the day without some caffeine. Been feeling more tumbling around but still no kicks.  Even though I could see baby kicking on the ultrasound, I couldn't definitely feel it.  Hopefully I'll feel more soon. 

Greg started painted baby's room.  Lime green to go with the navy blue curtains left over for when Alex was in nursery. And I think we'll be going with a space or airplane theme but I haven't decided for sure yet. 

That's all for now. Back at the OB in 3 weeks and another ultrasound in 4 weeks.  

13 weeks

A few days late on this update but a few days ago, I had my appointment at the specialist's office and had an ultrasound. We ended up not meeting with the genetic counselor like we were originally scheduled for.  The counselor said that since we had seen her before and there was nothing new in my medical history, that we didn't need to see her again.  We did get the NT ultrasound. The ultrasound that measures the fold in baby's neck's which can be an indicator of Down's syndrome and heart defects.  Baby's measurements were right where they should be.  As we expected since the prior genetic testing showed no down's. It is nice being able to see and check on baby.  All his other measurements were on track for this stage.  We go back to the specialist for another ultrasound at the end of the month for another growth check and to check for a few more possible anomalies, like spina bifda.  Again not too worried about anything crazy happening but I like the checks. I feel more comfortable being able to make sure baby is growing as he should be.
So far I haven't been able to feel movement.  With Alex, I felt a bubble popping sensation by now. I feel what feels like tickles but usually just went I'm going bed and holding still and being quiet. I'm hoping with in the next few weeks  I'll be able to feel him moving.  He also seems to be hanging out up higher than Alex did.  When I look for his heart beat with the Doppler, he's up at the top of my uterus.  Where Alex use to hang out towards the bottom. So far these 2 kids are giving me difference experiences. I am starting to feel much better.  Nausea is mostly gone.  As long as I stick to smaller meals and eat a little throughout the day.  I'm still gettting headaches/migraines and I've been tired less frequently.  Still could use a nap on some days.

On top of all my appointments and growing belly, we are going up to Colorado for a wedding this weekend.  It will be nice to get out of town and go some where new.  We haven't ever been up to Denver except for the airport. And after my appointment at the end of the month, I am going to Dallas to spend a weekend with my friend, while Greg and Alex stay home.  Staying busy as the weeks go by.
Oh we did pick a paint color for baby's room.  A lime green to go with the navy blue that still in the room left over from Alex. Hopefully Greg will get the wall painted within the next month.  Still have to clean out the room, get a new dresser and reorganize.  All of the baby stuff Alex outgrew got put on the room and left there.  Definitely have a summer/fall project.

12 Weeks

We have made it to the 12 week mark. I had my first OB appointment. Which went well and was uneventful.  Mostly just being asked basic health questions and getting the basic do's and don'ts again. Also I got to hear the baby's heartbeat which is always great.  And scheduled for another appointment in 4 weeks.
This last week I was able to find little guys heartbeat on my Doppler. He's been tricky to find.
Now we are waiting for my next appointment, next week at the perinatal office.

10 weeks and graduating from fertility clinic

Today was our last appointment with our fertility doctor.  It's always a good day and a sad one.  I really like my doctor and the staff at the office. They have been so great to us and Alex loves going there too.  But we have reached the point where baby is growing and everything is going well so we have been released to my regular OB and the perinatal office.
Already have my appointments made for those doctors. Because I'm a planner and I like to have everything set.  2 weeks until a check with my OB and 3 weeks until I'm seen at the perinatal office for 1st trimester screening, which should all be fine considering little baby was already tested.. the genetic testing done on the embryos is not 100% accurate though so the screening is recommended for us.
I am officially off all my meds as of today.  I stopped my estrogen after my last appointment but stayed on a half dose of my progesterone injections.  But I got the call that I can stop those now too.  Yay no more injections!!!!!!
Overall, things have been going well. Even though we still have 2 more weeks before we are completely out the scary first trimester. Alex knows she has a brother in my belly though I'm not quite sure she completely understands. Maybe once my belly gets bigger...
Updates to follow after my next appointments.